1963 Buick Riviera 'Wildcat 465' Sports Coupe

OVERVIEW:This 1963 Buick Riviera Sport Coupe represents the introductory year of the classic Riviera model, and is considered by many purists as the best representation of the 3 year run of this styling.Built in Flint, Michigan, it is one of only 2,601 units equipped with the optional numbers matching ‘Nailhead' 425 ci. V8, and has a Twin Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission.This car is very complete, solid and straight, runs, drives and handles very well.It is overall presented in original condition except for having been repainted black from its original Silver Cloud color.   Odometer reads 72,282 original miles.

 

   Although prior history is unknown, it was last titled in Missouri before being brought into Canada, passing inspection, and being registered in Alberta in 2009, at which time the odometer showed 69,930 miles, indicating about 2,400 miles driven since.It was purchased in St. Louis along with a 1960 Buick LeSabre hardtop, also being offered for sale by the same owner.

 

   Frame and body are both solid and it appears to not to have suffered any ravages of winter or salt.  The paint is polished, smooth and shiny, but several localized paint issues are noted.  Silver interior is very nice, comfortable and appealing, and an ideal complement to the black exterior.   Regular maintenance and routine mechanical work has been done to the car as required over the years, keeping it in reliable and roadworthy condition.

 

   This Riviera is very presentable and road worthy, with only a few minor issues and improvements that can be addressed over time while it is being enjoyed.It is a car that draws attention at show & shines due to its classy lines, roomy elegance, and wonderful curb appeal.

  This listing provides many more details as you scroll thru.  Near the end of this listing under Payment Terms you will find a link to a photo album of 200 pictures, and a brief startup video.

  As of this writing, the US-Canada border is open to Americans wishing to come into Canada with proof of vax.  We are also able to ship cars into the USA from Canada by way of commercial carrier and can assist with all those arrangements.

   

DRIVETRAIN:The optional 425 ci. V8 Nailhead engine is rated at 340 hp. and is called the ‘Wildcat 465' for the lb/ft. torque it developed.   It starts easily, sounds good, does not smoke, and is in good running condition, fueled by a Carter AFB 4 bbl. carburetor.The engine is numbers matching stamped with the VIN of the car, and the JW engine code confirms it to be the more desirable ‘Wildcat 465'.

 

   The air conditioning system appears partially upgraded, and with new hoses.  Other mechanical components on and around the engine appear as original equipment and in serviceable condition, as does engine bay wiring.Air cleaner and rocker covers have been painted black with some custom pinstripes added.Belts, hoses, and radiator all appear in good condition.  An overflow reservoir has been added behind the battery.

 

   The engine compartment is overall clean and tidy.The original GM glass reservoir bottle with cap is still located in its bracket ahead on the right inner fender.

 

   The Twin Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission shifts as it should.No unusual sounds from the rear differential.Underside of the engine is dry, parking spot and undercarriage overall show no drips or evidence of serious leaks, only the usual ‘sweat' of a driven car on the tranny and diff.

 

   

CHASSIS:The frame is very solid and straight in all respects.  There are no signs of collision damage or rust issues, no heavy pitting, combo of original black paint and light surface rust.All chassis components appear as original equipment, and display just the typical road dirt of their miles.Overall appears as one would expect of an original unrestored dry climate car which has been maintained and driven.

 

   Equipped with power steering and brakes in good order.Suspension components still providing a smooth ride.Dual exhaust system in very good condition.Fuel tank also looks in nice condition.

 

   The tires are Laramie Steel Rider 215-75R15 whitewall radials in very good condition with lots of tread remaining.  Mounted on original rims sporting correct Riviera wheel covers.Tire iron present but there is no spare or jack.

 

     

BODY & PAINT:All floor pans, trunk pan, inner and outer rocker panels, quarter panels, and rear drop down panels are very solid with no rust rot, same for the front fenders and door bottoms.Nor is there any evidence of collision damage.

 

   Overall fit and alignment of panels is good.This appears to have been a relatively clean, straight, and very solid car prior to black repaint by previous owner.  Paint code indicates it left the factory in Silver Cloud color.The beautiful black paint was done in 2-stage base/clear and has been color sanded and very recently polished, it is very smooth and shiny.

 

   With over a dozen or more years past and some miles since paintwork was done, a number of chips and non-rust related blemishes have appeared in the finish, some don't show up in pics but are noted as follow.Some fine speckles on the left side of hood, a large chip and 2 minor soft dings on the right side.

 

  Chip on inner edge of right fender back from headlamps.  Chip on leading edge of left fender.

 

   Two chips at outer edge of roof above right rear quarter window.Small blister on side of left rear roof pillar, some paint cracks on rear face of same pillar next to top left corner of rear window.

 

   Spot of light grey primer from rub thru on top of left quarter next to trunk lid, also a blemish top of right quarter.Minor rub thru on edge of left rear corner of trunk lid.

 

     

ELECTRICAL:A new battery is dated 4-'21.  All wiring is original and appears to be in good serviceable condition.Original instrument cluster with 140 mph speedo and trip odometer.   Equipped with working driver side power seat.All power windows in working order as well.

 

   Clock and original Sonomatic radio not working, but is equipped with an Alpine CDM-9803 am/fm/cd player with dual Eclipse speakers mounted on the rear shelf.Horn and heater fan working, as is the air conditioning.  The swivel diverters at both ends of the dash are loose, and knob for left vent control is missing.Working 2-speed wipers, control knob is loose.Automatic trunk release in glove box is functional.

 

   All lenses on the car are intact, hairline crack noted on left park lens and 2 on right tail lens.   

   

INTERIOR:The silver soft vinyl upholstery with front and rear bucket seats is in very nice condition, elegantly appealing, sporty and comfortable, and is one of the special attributes of this car.The only notable flaw being a small split on the back side of the drivers back rest.Seat belt equipped for all 4 passengers.

 

   Dash pad is nice with no cracks or blemishes noted.  Slight misalignment of glove box door.The steering wheel has cracks where spokes meet outer rim.  Nice horn bar and center emblem.Center console has some hairline cracks on sides.

 

   The door panels, arm rests, and rear side panels are also in nice condition, with only the plastic base of the passenger arm rest having minor issues.Driver's door panel has remote for outside mirror.Headliner and sun visors in very nice condition with no holes or tears.

 

   Original carpeting on floors and lower door panels shows fading but is not torn or frayed.Bottom right corner of brake pedal is worn.Door and window weather seals are soft and pliable and appear good.Side and rear glass is tinted and in good condition, shaded windshield has one star chip just right of center.

  The trunk retains all its original liners and mat, some stains and some panels distorted but not torn.  Trunk seal in good condition, some paint peel at gutter seams both sides.

 

   

BRIGHTWORK:All trim items are present on the car except for the hood ornament which was very recently stolen.  The bumpers, chrome, and trim are all original and overall in good condition.  Everything appears quite straight with good shine.Front bumper has one very small ¼” size rust spot noted, dead center back edge.Rear bumper very nice, shiny, no scratches.  The license surround is shiny but has some very minor pits visible.

 

   The grille is very nice and straight with no damage.Front park lamp grilles in very decent condition.Headlamp surrounds are nice, tail lamp surrounds nice but some small fine pits on lower flat areas.Some very small fine pitting noted on the cowl grilles, and the right side washer nozzle is missing.

 

   Chrome on frame holding right vent glass is rough, left side not so bad.All bright drip rail, belt line, and rear window moldings are straight and in good condition.  Windshield moldings also nice with only one ping noted on bottom piece behind left wiper post.Lower sides and wheel well trim moldings are very good, as are the double scallop surrounds on both quarters behind the doors.Correct Riviera wheel covers in very nice condition, with only one noticeable small soft dent on the right front.All interior brightwork is in decent original condition.

 

   

SUMMARY:If you are looking to drive a sporty 1960's hardtop with a solid reputation, this could be it!  Buicks have long been known for their quality in both comfort and long lasting mechanical aspects, and these first year Rivieras have been classics since they were first introduced.

  The stand-alone elegant yet sporty styling of this Riviera makes it an attention getter where ever it goes.  Add to that its equally sporty and appealing bucket seat interior, and you have a collectible that will always maintain favor with those who like American sport-luxury, not to mention Buick's ‘nailhead' horsepower, and the bonus of this one having its original and optional Wildcat 465 engine.

  Now in retirement mode and with other collectible cars in his stables, the owner has decided to make this special sport coupe, along with his '60 LeSabre hardtop, available to their next caretakers.  Offered with very reasonable reserves.

  The following is a brief start-up video where you can see and hear the engine and exhaust running.

 

1963 Buick Riviera Sport Coupe - Cold Start-Up

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PAYMENT TERMS:

This '63 Riviera is being listed on behalf of the owner.  Please email ‘[email protected]' or phone Rick at (403)534-2222 for additional honest and accurate information from a professional auto restorer.  All information listed has been gathered from discussions with the owner, a test drive, and a visual inspection.  A total of 200 pics are available for viewing at www.jpegbay.com/gallery/008362475-.html#0 .  Additional specific pictures are available upon request.   No warranties expressed or implied.  Successful bidder to make a minimum payment of 50% of closing bid amount (US funds) within 5 days of auction closing, with the balance payable upon vehicle pick up within 21 days (international) or 14 days (US/Canada).Payment must be in certifiable form such as cash or wire transfer.  PayPal for deposit only.  Other forms of payment only acceptable with time allowance for instrument to clear bank prior to vehicle being released.  Any deviation from, or changes to the preceding terms must be reasonable, and should be requested, discussed, and agreed to prior to bidding and auction closing.   

IMPORTANT OTHER:

Please submit all inquiries prior to bidding, and please only bid if you are able and willing to conclude the transaction should you be the winning bidder.This vehicle is being sold with a Bill of Sale, the State of Missouri Certificate of Title, and Alberta Vehicle Registration Certificate.The car is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, about 3 hours north of the Montana border.  Please be aware of your shipping costs before bidding, quotes can be provided upon request if necessary.  We can help make this a smooth, hassle free experience by arranging all-inclusive international transportation and brokerage for you.  References relating to similar transactions are available. Cars Gone By has sold and shipped numerous collector vehicles to the USA and worldwide, the majority through Ebay transactions.Please do not ask us to disclose the reserve price.  In fairness to all bidders we will not do so and request that you simply place a bid that is comfortable for you.Thanks for looking!   

NOTICE REGARDING BID RETRACTIONS:

Placing a bid to simply uncover the reserve price, or how high another buyer has bid, and then retracting or cancelling the bid is not allowed as it violates Ebay's Invalid Bid Retraction Policy.Such bids are considered as ‘Unwelcome and Malicious Bidding' as they contravene the seller requirements stipulated above, that you only bid with the intent to buy, and that you do not bid without the intent of concluding the transaction.Such bids are not in the spirit of a reserve auction.  They ruin the experience for serious buyers and sellers, can cast doubt on the process and subject vehicle, and are a nuisance to the seller in general.Ebay rules stipulate, if you retract a bid for reason of ‘entered wrong amount', you must re-enter your correct bid amount right away, and that changing your mind does not qualify as entering wrong amount.If you retract your bid as ‘wrong amount' and fail to re-enter your correct amount, your bid will be considered ‘unwelcome and malicious' and it will be immediately reported to Ebay, and they will investigate, and you will be placed on a blocked bidders list.   

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